The ‘Social Norms’ model which aims to
challenge the perceptions of young people
by feeding back the reality of the research.
The model:
Encourages us to view youth drinking from a new lens
Takes account of social factors & embraces notion of cultural, not individual change
Recognises the positive impact of peer groups
Recognises healthy & protective behaviours are already present in most youth populations
Isn’t based on ‘deficit model’ - focus is on assets, strengths & positive contributions of young
people
Aims to identify & correct misperceptions to increase support & safety in the social
environment
Acknowledges that young people can & do make healthy choices
Why should young people avoid alcohol?
- Risk of injury & self harm
“Drinking contributes to the 3 leading causes of
death amongst adolescents – unintentional injuries,
homicide & suicide (Stephens 2006, Miller et al
2007)” – NHMRC 2009, p. 58
- Mental Health
Drinking alcohol raises the risk of developing mental
health and social problems, especially when a person
starts drinking at a young age.
- Effect on Brain Development
During adolescence the brain continues to develop &
undergoes many changes. There is emerging
evidence that drinking alcohol may damage the
developing brain.
- Age young people start to drink
The younger a person starts drinking the more likely
they are to drink more frequently and at larger
amounts throughout adolescence, which could to
immediate and long term alcohol-related harms.
The ‘Social Norms’ model which aims to
challenge the perceptions of young people
by feeding back the reality of the research.
The model:
Encourages us to view youth drinking from a new lens
Takes account of social factors & embraces notion of cultural, not individual change
Recognises the positive impact of peer groups
Recognises healthy & protective behaviours are already present in most youth populations
Isn’t based on ‘deficit model’ - focus is on assets, strengths & positive contributions of young
people
Aims to identify & correct misperceptions to increase support & safety in the social
environment
Acknowledges that young people can & do make healthy choices
Why should young people avoid alcohol?
- Risk of injury & self harm
“Drinking contributes to the 3 leading causes of
death amongst adolescents – unintentional injuries,
homicide & suicide (Stephens 2006, Miller et al
2007)” – NHMRC 2009, p. 58
- Mental Health
Drinking alcohol raises the risk of developing mental
health and social problems, especially when a person
starts drinking at a young age.
- Effect on Brain Development
During adolescence the brain continues to develop &
undergoes many changes. There is emerging
evidence that drinking alcohol may damage the
developing brain.
- Age young people start to drink
The younger a person starts drinking the more likely
they are to drink more frequently and at larger
amounts throughout adolescence, which could to
immediate and long term alcohol-related harms.